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Title and Registration FAQs

Bought a boat and want to go boating now? Apply through the Boat Oregon Store online and print a temporary permit to use your boat right away!

The next steps are to mail us:
1. the original documents 

2. a copy of the payment receipt, so we can finish processing your transaction. 

Processing occurs in the order received by mail. The processing time can be up to 12 weeks during the spring and summer.

  • Registration renewals are processed and mailed within 7-10 business days when renewing online.
  • If you registered through an Agent, processing occurs in the order received by mail.
    On average, an agent mails boat transactions one to two weeks from your visit to their business.

​For new boats:

1) Complete an application for boat title/registration 

2) Furnish the original "Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin" (MSO)

3) Submit documents to the Marine Board with the required fees  

Used Oregon boats: 

1) Obtain the original "Oregon Certificate of Title" from the seller with the release of interest line(s) signed and dated by all owners listed 

2) Complete the "New Owner" section 

3) Submit documents to the Marine Board with the required fees 

For used Oregon boats when the title is lost:

1) Obtain an Oregon lost boat title application

2) Obtain owner of record information by completing the Boat Ownership Request Form

3) Obtain release signatures on the lost title form from all owners of record (signatures must either be notarized or owners sign and provide a copy of valid photo identification, front and back).

4) Submit documents to the Marine Board with the required fees  

For out-of-state boats from title states:

1) Obtain the original out-of-state title with releases by all owners

2) Complete an Application for Boat Title/Registration

3) Submit documents to the Marine Board with the required fees

For out-of-state boats when the title is lost:

1) Obtain a printout showing all owners of record from the title state

2) Obtain the title state's lost title/release form

3) Obtain release signatures from all owners of record 

4) Obtain an Oregon boat title/registration application form, complete and sign the form

5) Submit documents to the Marine Board with the required fees. 

For out-of-state boats from non-title states: 

1) Obtain the prior owner's registration card 

2) Obtain a bill of sale 

3) Complete an Application for Boat Title/Registration

4) Submit documents to the Marine Board with the required fees 

For boats that have never been titled anywhere:

1) Provide a proof of ownership.  

2) Complete an Application for Boat Title/Registration 

3) Complete a detailed boat history form

4) Submit documents to the Marine Board with the required fees ​

​Some boats in Oregon are required to be inspected by a marine law enforcement officer before they can be titled and registered.  Boats needing hull identification number (HIN) inspections: 

1) Homebuilt boats 

2) Boats never titled or registered in any state 

3) Boats registered in a non-title state 

4) Boats where the hull identification number appears to be incorrect.  

* Boats titled in another state if the title accompanies the application for Oregon title and the hull number listed is correct. After the HIN inspection is completed, we'll receive a notification and you will be contacted should the Marine Board need any further documentation. 

Boats that may be excluded are:

1) New manufactured boats with a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO)

​Is the combined weight of the boat and trailer more than 1,800 pounds?  If so, you are required to title and register the boat trailer with DMV.  If the combined weight of the boat and trailer less than 1,800 pounds, you are not required to title and register the boat trailer.  

If you wish to obtain a trailer title for proof of ownership, please contact DMV at 503-945-5000.  In the event the trailer is stolen, most law enforcement agencies and insurance companies will want to see proof of ownership. All trailers used on the road must be equipped to meet safety standards.​​

​Yes. Any watercraft with any type of motor must be titled and registered with the Marine Board. A title is required in order to register. 

1) Obtain the manufacturer's statement of origin and/or bill of sale

2) Obtain the application for boat title/registration

3) Submit documents to the Marine Board with required fees

​1) Complete and sign an Application for Lost/Replacement Boat Title (signatures must either be notarized or sign and provide a copy of valid photo identification, front and back)

2) Submit documents to the Marine Board with required fees

All persons listed on the front of the title, including lienholders, must sign that the title is lost.

No. We have an online store! If you have never used the Boat Oregon Store, click the link on the Account tab under the log in button to register​ for an account. 

The Marine Board has developed partnerships with many boat dealers and sporting goods stores who provide exceptional customer service to boaters by serving as registration agents. There are approximately 60 businesses throughout the state that will accept applications and fees.  Locate the agent closest to you and submit your information and fees to them. They will give you a temporary permit to operate your boat and forward your application and fees to the Marine Board. The agent may charge you up to $11.00 for this service ($5.50 for the title, $5.50 for registration).

​1) Visit the Boat Oregon Store​, log in, and under the online services drop down in the upper right hand corner, then select "Replacement Registration." 

2) Write a request for duplicate decals or registration card that includes: your name, mailing address and the certificate number of the boat

2) Submit the request with a check or money order for $15.00 to the Marine Board; OR, 

3) Visit a local Marine Board agent (take proof of ownership) to obtain a temporary permit to use the boat right away. Agents may charge an extra fee for this service.  

 (If you believe the tags were stolen, contact your county sheriff's marine patrol. Then, to get new decals, follow the procedure above.) 

​1. Go to the Marine Board's Online Store​. Go to the "Online Services Tab" in the upper right hand corner, and select "Online Lookup." The data can be filtered by boat or by name. 

2. Complete the Boat Ownership Information Request Form and submit to the Marine Board through email ​or US Mail to Oregon State Marine Board, PO Box 14145 / 435 Commercial St NE, Suite 400, Salem OR  97309-5065

Titles and license plates are required on: 

a) Floating homes (moored structures secured to piers or pilings, used primarily as a residence) 

b) Boathouses (covered structures on floats or piles to protect moored boats) 

c) Combinations (floating homes and boathouses together)

 

The Certificate of Title is valid as long as the ownership and location remain the same.  To obtain a title and license plate for a new structure:

1) Complete and sign the application for floating property

2) Complete and sign a Statement of Contractor or Builder Certificate.

3) Submit documents with the $150 fee to the Marine Board 

 

To obtain a title and license plate for a “never titled” structure:

1) Complete and sign the application for floating property

2) Obtain a copy of the personal property tax statement or the original bill of sale

3) Submit documents with the $150.00 fee to the Marine Board

 

To obtain a new title for an existing structure:

1) Obtain the title with release signatures from all owners

2) Complete and sign the application for floating property​ on the back of the title

3) Submit the signed title to the Marine Board with the $100.00 fee (note: titles must be submitted within 30 days from the date of purchase to avoid a late title transfer fee of $25.00.


​Oregon has no salvage laws for boats. Contact your local county sheriff's marine patrol. They can help locate the owner, or help you find your boat. Keeping registration current helps law enforcement and the Marine Board match up missing boats and owners.

​Yes.  If it's street legal: 

1) Make a copy of the DMV title

2) Complete and sign an application for boat title/registration

3) Submit the documents with the $6 registration fee ​to the Marine Board

If it's not street legal:

1) Complete and sign an application for boat title/registration (mark  "amphibious" for the vessel type). 

2) Obtain the previous ownership document with releases from all previous owner(s).

3) Submit documents to the Marine Board with the $75.00 title fee and $6.00 registration fee (total = $81). 

If you apply at a local agent, the agent may charge an additional $4.50-$9.00 depending on services. You need to provide any Statement of Origin for the vessel to verify the serial number.

​When you scrap, dismantle or destroy a boat, submit the original boat title to the Marine Board noting the condition of the boat.  If you are taking the boat to a landfill you may need to show them the title, before submitting it to the Marine Board. See ORS 830.710 and 830.720

​A floatplane falls under the definition of a boat when it is not in flight and on the water.  All of the same boating rules apply for navigation, lighting, and meeting the mandatory education requirement by taking a boating safety course and carrying a boater education card.  Floatplanes are registered through the Department of Aviation.  

​The state does not require boat insurance; however, it is highly recommended because boat collisions, engine problems, or other situations can arise. Some insurance companies give up to a 15% discount to a boater who has a Boater Education Card.  Boats can be covered by some homeowner insurance policies.  Contact your insurance agent to learn more. 

​The Oregon State Marine Board, in partnership with the US Coast Guard and National Association of State Boating Law Administrators define boat types for nationwide accident and fatality reporting statistics. 

If you are the owner of record, you can simply sign section 2 of a lost/replacement title form and provide the properly signed form to the new owner who can complete section 3 and submit for a title in their name. 

If you are selling your boat but have lost your title and still need a replacement title, the fastest way to obtain one is by online application. If you need help logging into your account please email the Marine Board  at marine.board@boat.oregon.gov with the subject heading, "Replacement Title Processing Request logon help."

Be sure to include in the email body the OR number of your boat and your current mailing address.


​Basically, if the boat is not in use in Oregon waters, then it's ok to have expired decals. If a boat is moored; however, boat registration must be current.

Boat registration is issued on a 2-year calendar basis. For example, boat registration renewals begin November 1, 2019 through October 31, 2020 will have registrations that expire on 12/31/2021.​


​Yes. Recreational documented vessels in Oregon state waters over 60 consecutive days are required to register the vessel with the Marine Board. Any boats moored in Oregon waters must be registered and follow the agreements established by the Port, Marina, or floating home community. 

1. Complete the registration application and submit with a copy of your Certificate of Documentation from the US Coast Guard and registration fee. 

2. State registration decals will be mailed to the boat owner with the associated Coast Guard documented vessel number on them. Place the expiration decals on the port and starboard sides of the vessel at the stern. 


​Sailboats under 12 feet, even though they aren't required to be titled and registered, do need to have a Waterway Access Permit​ when sailing. Sailboats from 10 feet to 11.9 feet fall into this requirement. The permit is transferrable to other sailboats and only one is needed per boat being sailed. 

 
OSMB Refund Policy

All fees are non-refundable. OAR 250-010-0058

Marine Board Fulfillment Policy

The applicant’s debit or credit card is charged at the time of application. A title, registration, or other credential will be issued when the application is complete, fully evaluated, and it is determined that all requirements have been met.

Marine Board Merchant Card Policy

Merchant Card Policy:
Marine Board agency staffers are not authorized to enter debit or credit card information into the system. Applicants must originate all financial transactions related to their application for title, registration, guide, or other credentials.  The Marine Board system does not store or keep any financial information entered into the system.



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